Pinellas Sheriff Charges Three in Time-Share Scheme

The scheme targeted people who were trying to sell their time shares, according to the Pinellas County sheriff.

PINELLAS COUNTY – After an eight-month investigation, Pinellas sheriff’s deputies have charged three men with defrauding time share owners.

Christopher D. Lyon, 30, of 11333 U.S.19 N., Apt. 216, Pinellas Park, was charged with two counts of scheme to defraud, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Also charged with two counts of scheme to defraud was David J. Black, 57, of 14099 S Belcher Road, Apt. 1123, Largo. Michael A. Anderson, 42, 2169 Riviera Drive, Clearwater, was charged with one count of scheme to defraud.

David J. Black Christopher D. LyonMichael A. Anderson

The investigation began in July when victims reported they were deceived into sending money to men in Florida for what they originally believed were fees associated with the sale of their time share properties. Deputies say that, between January 2015 and November 2015, the three – Lyon, Black and Anderson – were involved in an organized scheme where they would call time share
property owners who were trying to sell their properties. The three fraudulently represented themselves as attorneys for BB&T Bank and told the victims that they were assigned to handle the sale of their time share properties.

The victims were told to send money through Money Gram as “pre-payment” for fees associated with the alleged sale of their time share properties. Time share owners lost a total of $48,211 because of the scheme, deputies said.

Anderson and Black were arrested Tuesday (March 29) at their homes. Lyon was already in jail accused of a parole violation, deputies said.